Slumdog Millionaire

A nice film. An intriguing plot. The poor and underprivileged of Mumbai's slums were not exploited. There was a realistic presentation. The circumstances the lead character, Jamal, faces and overcomes are admirable. This is not going to be a review of the film though. I am not a critic and this film should simply be viewed and discussed, not reviewed.

One scene in the movie is what has me up at 2am. A child's innocence can often lead him to do things in haste. Decisions made in haste can often backfire and cause more harm than good. As the devil or one of his henchmen once said, 'the best laid plans' - any how, what would compel a person to jump into a pile of human feces? Perhaps faced with a life of death scenario, it's not hard to imagine opting to hold your breath while covered in #2 rather than breathing no more. How about something less dramatic. Imagine a motivating factor that stems from the heart in the form of passion or love. Could you love something enough that in a matter of a few seconds, it is deemed worthwhile to be covered head-to-toe in shit?

Jamal is a huge a Amitabh fan and he keeps a picture of him in his pocket at all times. While negotiating a shy bowel movement in the slums, the locals begin hollering "Amitabh's helicopter, Amitabh's helicopter!!" One of Jamal's friends locks him in the outhouse he was using leaving Jamal with only one possible exit. He takes the picture of Amitabh out of his pocket to protect it from the awful fate that his body is about to be subjected to. His 4 1/2 feet frame goes about 4 1/4 feet down into a pile of what is clearly disgusting waste. The arm holding the picture stretched upward the entire time, was not damaged. Upon climbing out of the wastehole, he proceeds to run looking like 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream without a cone yelling "Amitabh, Amitabh!!" Clearly aided by the stench of his newly aquired body odor, he reaches Amitabh through a path cleared by his stormy Category 2 descent. He gets to Amitabh and he gets the superstar's autograph. Arms raised in ceremonious fashion, Jamal does Johnny Drama proud with a "Victory!!!" pose.

The sheer enthusiasm in his pursuit of an autograph was thought provoking. He chased what his heart wanted. He did it without regard to any common sense. When guided by common sense, common results are achieved. It takes the heart of a child, which is wrapped in a membrane of innocence and uncorrupted passion. The passion that leads an adult includes greed, lust, ego. Self-gratification is a common deterrant to achieving life's passions. But the innocence that a child brings to the table is clearly the remedy to making life worthwhile. So what if there is a pile of shit on the way to making the dream come true. Isn't it all about the goal anyway? Does it really matter if everyone thinks you smell like poop? In the end, when you have the autograph and you have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything you could to make your dream come true, are you going to be able to smell anything but the sweet smell of accomplishment and satisfaction?

Thanksgiving - Let's Say Thanks

Let's say thanks. There are thousands of troops deployed overseas who are representing our country with pride and honor. They are stationed with the task of protecting our freedom. We are detached from the dangers that exist all over the world and faced by many other nations. We are protected by two oceans and friendly neighbors to the north and south. Despite the tragedy of 9/11, we are relative safe compared to many other regions in the world. Our nation's foreign policy adds fuel to the hatred of Americans and the western world held by some factions. But all in all, there is a level of security that we have and that we take for granted which should be acknowledged.

Imagine how badly a soldier would rather be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with a couple of bucks in their pocket rather than patrolling a foreign border with an AK-47 over their shoulder. How difficult must it be to hear about the hometown football team through a news bulletin, after having attended an affair hosted by shrapnel and gunpowder. This is not about agreeing with the fight. But take a moment to put yourself in the boots and fatigues of a soldier. They are far removed from their lifestyle. They are away from their loved ones. Though they signed up for duty, their sacrifice should not be regarded any less significant. They are living a life of duty. They have learned to put their self interest behind the greater good. We walk along the avenues of the city and get lost amidst the splendor of the holiday season. The pretty decor, the window displays now prominently visible from afar. These soldiers are about action, whereas we who live in the land of the free are mired in distraction.

The spirit of Thanksgiving has long involved stories of the Pilgrims and Indians sharing a feast. Over the years, it's come to include other recognizable subjects such as, football, Black Friday, parades with big floats. The spirit of the holiday has taken on a form of thanks that is sad and embarrassing. We are not giving thanks to those who came before us and sacrificed their lives so we could live in freedom. We are giving thanks to the NFL for scheduling a couple of games. We're thanking retailers for discounts so we can spend more money than we should. We are thanking animators for coming up with creative cartoons so nice big floats could be blown up and then paraded down 5th Ave. The true spirit of Thanksgiving should be evident in the lives we live every day. Every day we have freedom, is a day we should be thankful there are people that have layed down their lives and fought for a greater good. Every day we have that affords us the opportunity to express our beliefs, is a day that we should remember there are troops as of this very second who are prepared to die before any harm comes to Americans.

Is all this too melodramatic for you? Is being thankful everyday too much of a chore? Then pick up and move out. Get out of this country and go live in a country that will not guarantee your right to a fair trial and to practice the faith you choose to. Sure our country is not perfect and not all people are treated fairly. But that is not because the system allows it. It's because of ignorance and the lack of courage. When you see something happening that should not be occurring, you should not walk away. You should think of the soldiers that are on active duty who won't walk away. This is not about picking a fight. It's about protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. Let's say thanks to those soldiers who are protecting us because we are unable to do so on our own. Pay it forward by being vigilant and helping to improve the nation we live in. Help make the country a better place so when our soldiers return, they are greeted by a kinder place.

The freedom we enjoy has come at a hefty price. Many lives have been lost fighting wars throughout the years. Now more than ever, after a decade of economic prosperity and technology kicking it up another notch, our lives are very rich in terms of tangible items. But the spirit of our lives has lost meaning. We must take the time to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. The economy has since tanked and now we are looking at some turbulent times ahead. This is not the time to lose faith or spirit. This is the time to take measure of all that we have to be thankful for. Xerox is promoting a campaign that allows troops to receive a Thanksgiving Day card expressing our appreciation for their services. Go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html and support our troops. Take the time to express your appreciation.

Diwali - An Everyday Celebration

Good defeats Evil and for eternity thereafter, the people shall have a reason to rejoice, celebrate, abstain from sinful activity and eat lots of food! Definitely not the textbook explanation, but it'll get me through the day. Celebratory fervor enhances all things. The excitement that new beginnings elicit is steadfast and firm amidst Diwali celebrations across the board. So many types of relationships are elevated to another level simply due to the intrinsic significance that is attached to the Festival of Lights!

Neighbors are awarded with freshly made sweets for their geographical prudence in selecting their home location. Strangers are greeted with subtle and warm smiles. A silent acknowledgment of their existence and their vital contribution to the human race. It may be done unconsciously, but it is evident nonetheless, kindness is manifested on account of the elation attached to the Diwali festival. Acquaintances are warmly addressed with much more love and affection. Friends are appreciated with a heartfelt sentiment usually spared for weddings or funerals. Family can't do any wrong. From the grandmother who asks questions incessantly to the annoying cousin who can't just take a hint. Estranged family are embraced and welcomed by a bridge crossing over the stubborn seas. It's the Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Cosby clan, for the duration of the festivities at least.

Relationships that already are swimming laps in the clouds are elevated to another world during Diwali. The loved ones get the routine tender love and care with the added touch of appreciation and recognition. It makes all the difference when considering the start new year is akin to a bud yet to blossom. There is hope and promise for a brighter future and it's all attributed to the significance attached to Diwali. Couples are comprised of a pair, but function as a single unit. Stepping with the best foot forward allows the rest to just follow. Each spouse takes the time to appreciate the other during this time. So much work goes into preparing for this festival. Whether it's cooking food from sunrise to sunset for an entire week before the actual holiday or it's standing on line at a modest sweet store to get packages that will convey the sentiments filling the heart. Making the rounds to satisfy the familial and associated responsibilities becomes a battle for the couple to face together. Arm in arm, sweets in tow, making the rounds and ultimately coming home. Arriving at a rangoli decorated stoop, decorative lights illuminating the walls, sitting down together and knowing that the true meaning of Diwali is in that moment when they each realize they wouldn't have wanted to enjoy this festival with anyone else.

Generalizations will often result in alienating some people in some way. There is no way the thoughts expressed here are applicable to all people. But when considering the positive energy that is transmitted across a spectrum of personalities during this wonderful festival, it's a hope-filled perspective. It may not be how it is, but it sure wouldn't be so bad it were like it. There is a simple joy to Diwali and it's visible in the extra pep in people's step. Enjoy life's joys, big and small. It will make the difference between having a lasting memory or experiencing an everlasting moment. Ask yourself whether you'd want a photograph of an experience or a chance to relive the moment infinitely. Make everyday Diwali. Smile at the strangers. Be kind to your neighbors. Care about your friends. Love your family. Appreciate and value your spouse. Do all of these things everyday, as if everyday were Diwali.

NAVRATRI - Garba-time

Happy Navratri to those who actually celebrate this festival. To those who just care to partake in the festivities; happy garba, raas, and sanedo to you. It's a festive time, women dressed in elaborate Indian attire, men dressed in traditional kurta pyjamas. It's an eclectic scene; a beautiful array of colors harmoniously circling the idol of a Deity while engaged in rhythmic and various forms of dance. Each year this festival brings together the Indian community and it's an encouraging manifestation of two worlds merging.

This festival brings out so much that is wonderful about our culture and heritage. Beauty, elegance, history, tradition are all petals of the flower that is Navratri. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil. Navratri year after year often falls within a few weeks of Halloween and it seems that this festival also brings out the vampires, ghouls, and goblins from within the Indian community. I'm referring to the thug life, wannabe 'gangsta' teenage guys with countenances suited for mug shots. Along with teeny Tupac and bopper Biggie, there are the girls who show up in ghetto fab jeans, or indecent Indian clothes (i.e. no blouse). To compound matters, these ragamuffin teenagers show up at garba and use the time as their own personal meat market. It's disappointing to witness the way some of these kids behave. It's a shame the cloud of their arrogance is thicker than veil of their ignorance.

Showing up at garba to scope out and pickup girls has a place in the history of these events from the beginning. Back in the day when Expo Hall in New Jersey threw the grandest garba party in the entire nation, more than a few guys were there with an agenda other than dancing to Falguni Pathak. Wherever there are pretty girls, dressed up and free to roam the range, there will be guys hot on their trail. No sense in fighting with Mother Nature and human nature. Years back there was a sense of respect that was prevalent. What's apparent now is this respect is less prevalent. The junior mafias that attend the garba events at local high school gymnasiums across the country are showcasing their new threads, their new shades, new whips, new anything. It's a symposium of adolescent egos gathering to demonstrate who is going to be the alpha male and female. Recently the following conversation between a girl and a guy at garba event in New York:

Girl: "Don't I look pretty tonight?"
Boy: confused look, unsure how to respond, so he just nods.
Girl: "Don't answer that. I looked prettier yesterday."

Now this is one exchange, and it's definitely not representative of the general population. But look around next time you are attending a garba event and see for yourself. Take notice and see if you can recognize the deterioration of our culture happening right before your very eyes. Look at how some of the teenagers dress and how they conduct themselves. Notice the sleazy, meat market feel to the whole place. There are kids at garba events that just look like they should be at a house party.

There is a tremendous amount of tradition and culture that is prominently displayed during this time of year by Hindus. There is the religious aspect of celebrating the victory of good over evil (Ram defeats Ravan). There is the cultural aspect where the Indian woman has the chance to dress in ornate, traditional, decent attire. There is the community component which brings so many people together linked by a common heritage. There is so much that is so great about this time of the year. Let's take the time to appreciate it and extend ourselves in some way to preserve this beauty for future generations.

SINGLEDOM

Having attended more than a few engagements and weddings already this year and a couple more still upcoming, I may be the guy version of that movie starring the actress from Grey's Anatomy. This is according to my esteemed fellow blogger - The-Indian-Guy (http://the-indian-guy.blogspot.com). So it sure seems that way though. It got me to thinking about whether I am content being single. Or am I ready to settle down. Or am I looking for a non-committed long-term relationship?

There's got to be some explanation as to why I am not the slightest be concerned about my single status presently. I decided to make a list of some reasons why I am content to be single; followed by a list that explains why I am ready to settle down.

Reasons to be content being single:
1) Freedom - to roam about the city at any time of day or night. To be at home or away from home and have no accountability to any one.

2) Peace of mind - from the drama that accompanies committed relationships. No hasseling or nagging or any kind of "-ing" that is not enjoyable.

3) Crickets - being able to hear those stringy creatures cricket in the morning. Being able to hear them at night. No voiceovers or "Honey, do this. Honey do that." God Bless those crickets.

4) Independence - be my own man. Be my own person. Retain my individuality. No need to compromise on everything, let alone anything. It's all about me.

5) Sharing - don't need to share food when eating out. Don't have to listen to "do you want to share? Why don't we just order 2 appetizers and 1 main course." No, I want to eat what I want to eat and I don't want to share.

Reasons to settle down:
1) Too much freedom - I'd rather have a loved one, a partner, a soulmate, a best-friend to be with while out in the city or while lounging on the couch at home. To be free is good, to be free and walking hand-in-hand with a loved one sure seems more appealing.

2) Too much peace of mind - If I want to live life like I'm in a coma, I guess the value of peace of mind can't be overstated. However, where's there's electricity, there's energy. What are a few shocks that accompany the nagging, the hasseling when it could just very well lead to the type of "-ing" that makes it all worth it. Hugging, Kissing, Embracing...yada yada yada... ;)

3) Bah-hum-Crickets - screw the crickets, I could not give a damn if I heard another ever again. I'd rather hear the voice of my beloved bellowing for me to take out the trash late at night or hollering at me to get out of bed on a Saturday afternoon. Houses are made with bricks, but homes are made with noise. All types of noises, but none more valuable and essential than that of the sweet lady of the house.

4) Over-rated independence - "it" being all about me is not all that it's cracked up to be. It's far more pleasing when it's about someone else. My heart filled with passion and passion is a currency that can't be spent on one's self. So there's unfulfilling byproduct of independence and it's a heart that bleeds out passion. No thanks. I want the passion in my heart to be explosive. I want to wake up beside my dear love and exude passion. It would be far more satisfying to live a life that is not all about me, but rather more about "her."

5) Sharing is caring - and it surely is. What's it like to go to a nice restaurant and sit across from the woman you love? When the waiting comes, you get to smile at her and while the waiter scribes the order, you hold your woman's hand and just know that sharing that dish is going to be more satisfying than the meal itself. So what if I'm not full afterwards, I can always suggest going to Mamoun's for some falafel and if you go back to (1) on this list; we'd have the freedom to roam the city as we like.

PUNCTUATE THIS!!!!

Enough with the endless punctuation marks included in text messages. There has to be the understanding that after awhile, the incessant use of the "!" or "?" are going to render their effect useless. How can someone possibly understand the urgency of the message when every other thought is concluded with an "!", "?" or "!!!!??!!"? (That last question mark is legit). It's difficult enough to convey inflection and emotion in a text message, but the irresponsible use of punctuation by numb-thumbers is causing mass chaos amongst those of us who care to comprehend the meaning of the messges we're receiving.

Receiving text messages from a girl that might be someone of interest and trying to decipher the meaning of the text message can be an excruciating exercise. Now why resort to such ultra-resourceful methods you might wonder? Well it's simple, there's no sense in asking questions when the answers are very possibly right before us. The simple use of a an exclamation point following a "yes" can be the difference between "sure it would be nice to see you" or "I definitely am interested in seeing you and I'm excited about it." If people don't start using punctuation more responsibly, there are going to be a lot of us who are sorely disappointed by messages that read one way, but mean something else.

Waiting

Life is about waiting. Lines are everywhere you go. If there isn't a line, you should probably stop to ask where is everyone before taking another step. People are willing to wait for what's valuable to them. Being a resident NY'er, long lines are commonplace all over the city. Outside clubs, restaurants, soup joints. There are lines outside restrooms, at the gas pumps (despite insane gas prices). Lines at the bus stops, taxi stands. At the airport, at the bus depot. No matter what, there's a wait.
Love is about waiting too I suppose. Waiting on a line that has an indefinite number of people. Waiting for the chemistry to cause a spark; then waiting for the spark to burst into a flame. It's not so easy to wait for love though. There's no place to wait. There's no actual line to be on. Going about your business in a routine way, but also waiting for love to come your way can be a trying experience.
They say love will find you when you least expect it. Well, being on line for love, eliminates the "least expect it" element. Love is not something you just decide not to concern yourself with. It's something you can submiss, but not dismiss or contain. The desire to find love and be in love is a constant. It's with each pulse of our heart. We have so many different things that we wait on line for but love is something that they say will just come to us. I don't believe it.

Give Life a High Five.

A simple but illuminating message came through my inbox recently. Five rules to live by.

• Have no hatred in your heart
• Have no worry on your mind
• Live simple
• Give more
• Expect less

When was the last time you said something negative about someone? Not in good humor, but with contempt and disdain. How about the last time you worried about something you had no control over in the first place? Probably something of this nature crossed your mind in the last 48 hours. In the great U.S.A., is there a such thing as living simple? Just ask yourself if you have more than you need and you'll have your answer. How about giving more and expecting less. What kind of nonsense is that? Why would anyone want to give anything if there is no reward for the effort? That would just be a profound waste of time. That's the problem with us. So many things we do directly interferes with our journey towards happiness. So much of our happiness is rooted and derived from the happiness we bring to others. Why do we let ourselves be shortsighted and insensitive when we ultimately are only hindering our own happiness.

Even been in a room while friends are laughing at racist jokes? Ever been the one to initiate the racist joke? It's so easy to laugh at people we find obvious ways to separate ourselves from. We can distance ourselves from one another so easily by looking at the color of our skin, the God we worship, the tax bracket we bitch about. Racial indifferences, societal imbalances, economic inequalities are great bases from which to generate good old fashion, mean-spirited humor. We like to laugh at others when it hurts them. Deep down it empowers us. It makes us better than the "others". But the sad, true reality is there are no "others." We are the others. When we make a racist joke and laugh at the ignorance of others, we're insulting ourselves. We're taking a piece of our heart and trading it in for a laugh. What kind of return on investment is that? Why say something about someone that you wouldn't want said about your mother or father (even if it were true?) Hatred has one place in our lives. The past. Have no hatred in your heart.

Worrying sure can take up a lot of time if you allow it to. It can consume your day from start to finish. Or sometimes it can just be an instant in a day, but it's enough to linger in your mind preventing other positive experiences to resonate freely. Why do we pray and yet assume the responsibility of worrying. Shouldn't that be left to a providential figure? Isn't that what we're doing when we pray? We're acknowledging a higher power and It's supremacy over all final results. So how great would it be to enjoy life in spite of the obstacles and challenges. No matter what; waking up in the morning and pre-deciding that it's going to be a great day. No hesitation, no doubt about it, that would be the life of a person with a mind free of worry. Guaranteed there is no one that wouldn't trade a life of worry for a life without it. So be rid of it and leave it to God. Let there be a reason for His presence and let it be to guide us, take care of us, protect us, save us. Don't worry. Just don't.

Living simple. Too much is usually what is around us. We have a car that too sporty, or maybe a wardrobe with one too many white shirts. Or how about that last pair of shoes, the ones that you don't have an outfit for yet, but just had to get anyway. Being simple doesn't mean don't run and get that 7 series or sitting in coach even though you're making six-figures. It's about not taking it over the edge. It's about not making it the crux of your life. Money mustn't be the source of the joy, but rather a consequence of being joyful. Be simple in the way you love your family and friends. Appreciate them for who they are and what they can do. No one is equal and no one can compare to ideals we establish within our minds. Live simple so that you don't feel like you're missing out on life. Be simple about achieving your goals. Put your best effort into a cause and let the results be what they may. Living simple is just one way of saying be true to yourself. Be honest.

Give more and expect less. Love is what makes the world go around. It's also what's been known to bring the house down. Love can be so complicated because we do not allow ourselves to understand our feelings. We think sometimes we know what is best for us and we convince ourselves we're fighting in the name of love. Love so quickly can evolve from being a selfless endeavor into a system of exchanges. "I love you" followed by "I love you too." That one always gets me. The expectation that arises after expressing sincere feelings can surely be a lot to handle. So why just let go of the expectations? It's far easier and much more rewarding to see the joy we can bring to others. Do you know how important you are to someone else? Do you know the role you play the lives of others? Have you brought joy to others? The smiles we crack can never compare to the smiles we elicit. Sharing is caring. No natural resource is more readily available than love. It sustains the destitute. It has long been the fuel for vagabonds and others lost in the world. Love and it's glorious magic can take a whirlpool and transform it into a jacuzzi. The question is, are you willing to build it for someone else while you toast in the sun? I hope so, because there is no greater love than the love we give unconditionally. Just give because it's what makes us great. It's the power in our hearts that makes life so great. It's all about love. Life is all about bringing joy to others. It's about sharing all the love in our heart with others.

I sure sound like a preacher right now. But I don't care. I'm saying what needs to be said. We have to improve ourselves so we can live quality lives. It's only after we improve ourselves, that the world around us will improve. Rid your heart of hatred. Don't laugh at mean remarks. Don't make mean comments. Don't fret about things you can't control. Rather, put your energy into dealing with things you can control. Use your mind and heart wisely. Don't waste them. Live simple and be happy with less. You'll appreciate it more. Give more, in every way everyday. Expect less so that your heart can fulfill its destiny by bringing joy to others.

Turning 30: Another corner, another bum

Ten years ago, I was a couple of weeks shy of turning 20. I was looking forward to kissing the teenage years goodbye, but not the teenage girls. The advent of a new era inspired me. The dreams and goals that had long seemed so far away, were now not so distant. Brimming with confidence, head up high approaching another corner; never even noticed the bum.

Time definitely was not even a slight consideration. Turning 20, a whole new world was yet to be discovered. A new decade that was destined to be filled with momentous events and celebrations. So much to look forward to - 21st, 25th bday hoorahs! Graduating college. Perhaps attending and completing grad school. Marriage. Kids. Rewind - how about traveling the world to exotic locations. Making new friends and new memories. Meeting new people all ready to conquer the world and forging alliances that would last a lifetime. So much good yet to transpire. All rest areas to look forward to along the journey.

Fast forward to now and turning 30 sure doesn't feel anything like that. It's as if it's another corner, another bum. The magic that accompanied the innocence a decade ago, is now a jaded burn that results from too much exposure to disappointment. Older and wiser sure seems to be a popular consolation reference. Of course the rugrats doing the consoling are in their mid-20's. They still have wind in their sails, afloat in temperate waters. The chagrin on the face of those who already turned the corner and passed the bum, is validation that what's about to happen is not so positive. Sure there's plenty of future ahead. Of course looking 10 blocks down and seeing 40 can bring a fella down pretty quick. Head down and spiritless they missed the bum entirely.

Having been walking for 10 blocks, there's been ample time for reflection. About to turn this corner and about to pass another bum. But it's not about me any more. It's about something bigger. There is a bigger world out there and there is a lot of change that needs to be implemented. The world is need of selfless leaders. It's the courage of those who battle through experiences and learn from them that make this world a better place. Inspired by those many who have walked this road before, it's imperative to stop and notice the bum on the corner. Turning 30, I'm turning a corner. Walking away from an era when it was all about me. It's about others now. It's about making a difference. Having had my head in the clouds, and my head in my ass; I'll opt to keep my head straight as I approach this turn. Surely I'll notice the bum and I'll buy him a coffee. Because it's not about me any more. It's time I stop and hold my breath as I notice the bum.